There and Back

I could remember our beach vacation by the horrific traffic getting there and back, or the windy conditions that made swimming impossible for half the time, the sickness that permeated the kids, the meltdowns, the torn off toenail, the elusive tuna, the sand that ended up in every crevice of every body part which I had to eliminate from three bodies multiple times of day.

Or I could remember our beach vacation as el sueno, the dream. El Sueno was the name of the house right at mile post 18.5 in Nags Head, NC situated right on the beach. Sunrises and walks in the surf. The time we spent having fun being together. Spending Father's Day with Daddy and spending the week with Nonni and Nonna and Teddy and Aunt Clare and Aunt Katie and Uncle Kevin. Watching you and your sister play together on the beach. Being with Lucy as she touched the ocean for the first time and discovered the magic and texture of sand. Encouraging you to jump in the ocean and let the waves break over you. Watching as you overcame your fear. Experiencing the excitement and joy that only a vacation can bring.

I would rather remember our time as a dream and not a nightmare (although at some points, it was). Get ready for a true photo bomb. This is my one and only post about this va-ca. Read the captions to discover what adventures we got into.


Our house, El Sueno is directly behind Lucy behind the grassy dune. 



Daddy's ready for the beach!

You took Daddy mini golfing for Father's Day.
And on the first hole you got a hole in one!

Someone loved the hot tub... ok both of you did. I loved the view.

Going to the aquarium with Teddy.

Lucy meeting a cayman alligator

Sunrise from our deck

Beach play with Lu and Teddy and Teddy's shovel.

Aquarium fun!

Lucy slept in a closet. Don't worry, it was cedar lined!

More playing in the sand.

Lucy meets a shark.

Lucy meets the ocean

Praise Jesus! ...Or gimme that kite!!!

Nonna and her babies

Father's Day BBQ... yes, they made their own dinner.

Moody Nora.

Nonni's babies.

Nora, you also took Daddy go-karting for Father's Day. Fun!

Sand castle building 101

Good morning Teddy!

My Lulu.

View from El Sueno's deck

Crazy Nonni!

You were transformed into 'Nautical Nora the mermaid' for a cool pirate adventure.

On the pirate ship, searching for treasure, and using the cannon to attack Pirate Pete! Argh!

Another sunRISE over the Atlantic

40 mahi mahi! Not a bad catch Uncle Kevin and Mr. Larry!

Someone loves the beach.



running from the waves.

Waiting for the waves

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I love Lucy.

Nonni and Nonna sure do love somone.

Nonna's special girl.

We should've left you there. Just kidding. well...

This is only a fraction of the pictures and of course the memories, both good and bad will live on and have becomed ingrained in us as a part of the story of our lives. Aunt Katie's toenail might never be same. And for the record, almost two weeks later, you still love to get a basin and play "I've hurt my toe like Aunt Katie."  Crazy girl. And when I tell you we are going to Nonni and Nonna's you ask, "To their beach house or their other house?!?" 

I wish the beach house option was always on the table too.